Risk and Insurance Professional Studies

The Risk & Insurance Professional Studies program offers students a pathway to a rewarding career in risk and insurance. Students will explore the functional risk areas—including corporate risk management, employee benefits, and insurance carrier, broker, and underwriter activities. Students will also learn about the industry’s Best Practices and acquire the technical skills required to succeed in various positions in the industry.

In addition, students will refine their skills in leadership, critical thinking, decision-making, risk forecasting, risk assessment, oral and written communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, interpersonal and cross-cultural relations, organizing and planning, and computer literacy.

For more information, please contact our Director of Risk Management & Insurance Studies, David Cisneros. 

What careers are available?

The events of the past couple of years have spotlighted the need for organizations to adopt effective risk management programs and strategies that can meet the challenges of today. And career opportunities in risk management and insurance are at an all-time high.

Career opportunities

Our program offers a direct channel to industry internships and job placement.

Corporations in all industries, from gaming, entertainment, sports, manufacturing, healthcare, and education, require talented employees in various risk management roles. University graduates with insurance and risk management skills are highly sought after and can pursue many career paths.

Career opportunities in Risk Management and Insurance include:

• Risk Management
• Financial Analyst
• Risk Analyst
• Claims Management
• Insurance Broker
• Actuary
• Underwriter
• Loss Control
• Insurance Agent
• Account Management
• Investigations
• Customer Service
• Accounting

In addition to competitive salaries and an exciting work environment, risk management professionals enjoy a flexible work schedule and a work-life balance.

Scholarships and mentorship

Our program offers $10,000 to qualified students each year, with funding from the Nevada Surplus Lines Foundation. Each semester, our Mentorship Program matches students with industry professionals, offering resume review, interview skill development, career advice, and direct job placement to the industry and others.

Student Learning Objectives

• Understanding the principles of risk management.
• Recognizing the role of insurance.
• Applying risk management processes to eliminate or mitigate risk exposures.
• Communicate professionally and work collaboratively.
• Demonstrate exceptional analytical skills and critical thinking.
• Understanding the operational functions of an insurance broker and insurance carrier.
• Earn the internationally recognized professional designation, Associate in Risk Management (ARM).

Curriculum Overview

Our energetic, passionate faculty are adept at making textbook material come alive. And to supplement the classroom experience, faculty will invite practitioners to serve as guest speakers, bringing real-world experiences and perspective to classroom lessons.

Risk & Insurance Professional Studies coursework includes:

• FIN 321: Corporate Risk Management
• FIN 322: Insurance and Risk Management
• FIN 323: Corporate Risk Operations
• FIN 420: Property and Liability Insurance
• FIN 421: Life and Health Insurance

Risk and Insurance Minor

The Risk and Insurance minor is open to all students at the university. Students can complement their major with valuable risk and insurance skills.

Coursework includes:

• Electives can be chosen to complement their major and deepen their knowledge of analytical skills related to their interests. Six (6) of the upper-division credits must be completed at the University of Nevada, Reno
• Nine (9) or more credits used for any minor at the University of Nevada, Reno must be upper-division coursework.
• Students must complete the minor with a 2.0 or higher GPA.